This is a part of the world so easy to fall in love with. As some images show, our visit was some time ago-but the positive memories are lasting.
We began at Huay Xai on the northern Thai Border and meandered south on the Mekong on an extended exploration. Main stays were in Laung Prabang and Vientiane in Laos and Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Angkor in Cambodia.
The way of life, culture and religion of the Laotian People was endearing. Visiting the villages along the Mekong, seeing the simple but content way of Life. In Laong Prabang, during an extended stay, the French influence was evident, particularly in the food. Like Vietnam, the cuisine was a simple but delicious amalgam and you could buy fresh rolls in the small bakeries.
The main religion was Theravada Buddhism which allows young people to e.g. enter for 4 years and get a good education and culture development. I had numerous experiences of this in my many positive interactions. It was also interesting to see community support for the religious e.g morning food ritual.
The cross over into Cambodia showed, at that time a people still recovering from very difficult circumstances but going about it in a friendly inviting way. Phnom Penh, the capital was a very traditional town on the Tonlé Sap river – lots of temples, restaurants, etc.
The real destination was Siem Reap and the nearby Angkor Wat. The temples at Angkor, built between 9th and 13th century just defy belief in their scale, engineering, architecture and art. It spreads over c 10 sq km.!
The designs that went into the massive depiction of local history and events on the buildings has to be seen to be believed. It is a huge reflection of the visions, skills and crafts of what was a very sophisticated people.
Some painting was also done on banks of nearby lakes, reached by perching on the back of a wrecked motorbike taxi piloted by a lunatic! – and you thought it was easy!!!
